Buying the Best Dishwasher

Whether you're looking to upgrade your current dishwasher or you're purchasing one for the first time, you'll find that dishwashers today are more efficient than earlier models.  Not only is pre-rinsing your dishes no longer a true necessity, but energy efficiency is driving dishwasher design. The newest models run so quietly you might forget you've turned them on and modern technology offers you the options of specialized settings for pots and pans and "hand wash" for delicate china and crystal.

Shop for Energy Stars
In January, 2007, the US government set regulations for dishwashers to be at least 41% more energy efficient than the minimum requirement to earn an Energy Star rating (previously the rate was 25%). Federal law now requires that Energyguide labels be placed on all new dishwashers as well (look for the bright yellow sticker with black lettering), making understanding the energy efficiency of a given model easier than ever.

Still think hand washing is a greener option? Dishwashers use less water (about 6 gallons per load) and less electricity than hand washing. They also use hotter water which is more effective at fighting bacteria than your kitchen sponge. When you're shopping, limit your options to brands and models that have earned an EnergyStar, the highest rating a product can earn for energy efficiency: You'll save money and do something good for the planet.

Once you have your dishwasher, you can increase its energy efficiency even further by only running it when it's full, not overloading the racks and dispensing with the pre-rinse cycle. You can also look for models that feature energy-saving cycles that cut consumption for a half load, although you'll need to put all of your dishes, glasses and flatware in either the top or the bottom depending on which half of the dishwasher is connected to the cycle.

Size and Design
The most common dishwasher sizes you'll see are 18" and 24". Eighteen-inch models are better for small households (1 to 3 people) while the more standard, 24" dishwasher is the best option for larger households.  It's important to point out that these measurements correspond to the dishwasher's depth and that its height and width will be larger. Be sure to check the spec sheet for the dishwasher's actual physical dimensions, which should also tell you what the rough cabinet opening needs to be.

If you can't fit either a 18" or 24" model in your kitchen and still want a dishwasher, you're not out of luck: countertop dishwashers perform the same functions and perform them as well as full-sized dishwashers, but sit on your counter and hook up to your faucet. Countertop dishwashers are similar in size to microwave ovens and are best for small loads or 1-2 people (they're also portable and a great addition to your RV or camper on long trips).

When most people think of dishwashers, however, what comes to mind are the ones customized for your kitchen. Freestanding dishwashers are built right into your countertop and can be seamlessly integrated into the rest of your room's design. These dishwashers come in standard or tall tub designs. Standard tub dishwashers have a service kickplate beneath the dishwasher door that allows for simpler maintenance and installation, but tall tub dishwashers offer about 20% more capacity and run quieter owing to the continuous front door.

Don't have space to install a full-sized dishwasher, but need more capacity than a countertop model provides? Choose a portable dishwasher on wheels that can be moved. These dishwashers are on casters (wheels) which make them easy to move into place for hookup at the sink. Portable models come in 18" and slim 24" models and have capacity on par with standard 18" and 24" dishwashers.

Cleaning Ability
When it comes to cleaning, even dishwashers costing as little as $450 do a good job at getting caked-on, spattered-on messes clean. More important is how the dishwashers spray hot water onto your dishes, glasses and flatware. Generally speaking, the more angles the dishwasher sprays water from, the better it cleans. This spraying ability is usually described in terms of tiers or levels. Look for dishwashers that have a minimum of three levels. More won't necessarily get your dishes cleaner, but less won't do as good a job.

When you're deciding what cycles you need or want, do make sure that the models you're interested in offer at least a regular wash cycle, light cycle, pots and pans and energy saver, which dries your dishes by air instead of relying on the heating element. Specialty cycles available on higher-end dishwashers include glass/stemware, quick wash, sanitize and rinse only, which are convenient but not critical (and they'll add to the price of your dishwasher).

Features and Functionality
Almost all dishwashers on the market will do a better job at washing your dishes than you will, but that doesn't mean all the features and functionality mid-range and higher-end models offer are overkill. These "upgrades" and extras add to the cost, but are often worth the investment for the convenience and extended life of the dishwasher. Features we think are worth looking for include adjustable racks, delay start, and quiet running.

Everyone's familiar with the rack system in a dishwasher: two racks, upper and lower and a flatware tray. Some dishwashers now feature three, which if you're a stickler for organization, may be worth a look. Adjustable racks allow you to get the most use out of your dishwasher by allowing you to make space for large platters, pots and pans, or to accommodate tall-stemmed glasses.

Delay start lets you load the dishwasher and set the time you want the cycle to start-a nice feature if you have company and want to manage the cleanup, but not drown out conversation when you're done (or if you live in a water consveration area and need to run your dishwasher later in the day). If you choose a dishwasher with quiet run, noise probably won't be an issue. Some owners say their quiet-run machines are so quiet, they don't even know they're running.

Lastly, the dishwasher's interior, also called the tub, used to come only in plastic. Today, dishwasher tubs are available in stainless steel which is more durable than plastic in that it won't discolor over time, but doesn't improve performance. It's better to choose a dishwasher with a stainless steel spray arm, however, as it's less prone to rust after years of continual use.

Price, Warranty and Service
Dishwasher prices are broken down kind of like cars, domestic brands and foreign brands. A domestic brand model runs $200 to $1,300 while a foreign brand dishwasher will run $350 to $2,000. State of the art Miele and Bosch dishwashers are mainly high-end machines, while brands such as Maytag or Kenmore sell higher-end as wellas low-priced machines.

According to most sources, if you are searching for affordability there's a quality machine out there in the $300-$500 price range. These machines will wash well, look nice, and be reliable with proper care, but will only offer the basics.

Basic no frills models can be purchased for under $300. Expect these to be noisy and limited in features. Moderately priced units will run from $350 to $600. They may be a bit noisy, but should be well featured and do an acceptable cleaning job. For units that are exceptionally quiet, feature state-of-the-art design, cleaning sensors, novelty features, or stainless-steel interiors, expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $1200 or more.

Purchase a dishwasher that offers at least a one-year warranty on parts and labor and two years on durable parts (doors, electronics, etc.), but don't let warranties be the deciding factor in choosing one brand over another. More important to consider is how the manufacturer will service repairs. Ideally, the manufacturer's service center will be local so in case something goes wrong, you're not back to hand washing for very long.